Zambia did their homework as they finally got the better of Zimbabwe on a second attempt, beating them 3-1 in the 2025 COSAFA Championship third-place playoff. Rutendo Makore got a consolation goal for the Mighty Warriors after Mercy Chipasula netted a goal to add to Agness Phiri’s early double.

BolaNews rates the Copper Queens stars as they secured bronze at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

GOALKEEPER

Catherine Musonda (6/10): Musonda was caught in no man’s land when Zimbabwe scored but dealt with everything else that came her way.

DEFENDERS

Margret Belemu (6/10): She was very quiet in the first half, only getting involved in attack in the latter part of the second stanza.

Mapalo Maluba (9/10): Maluba demonstrated excellent vision to set up Chipasula with a delightful long ball. The youngster was also unbeatable at the back.

Agness Musesa (8/10): A very solid performance in defence from Musesa, who kept Zimbabwe’s attackers at bay.

Judith Soko (7/10): She did not put a foot wrong against the Mighty Warriors, thwarting their attacking play down her flank.

MIDFIELDERS

Rhodah Chileshe (6/10): Chileshe sat as a defensive shield for her centre backs playing a safe game.

Natasha Witika (7/10): She excelled as the pivot, linking defence with attack. The midfielder also broke up play efficiently.

Maweta Chilenga (6/10): Chilenga had a decent outing in the middle of the park before being substituted off.

FORWARDS

Mercy Chipasula (8/10): An outstanding performance from Chipasula, who almost always delivers when given the opportunity. The winger assisted the second goal before getting on the scoresheet.

Agness Phiri (9/10): She was unstoppable against the Mighty Warriors, netting an important brace as she continues to stake a claim for a 2026 WAFCON slot.

Regina Chanda (7/10): Chanda intelligently set Phiri through on goal to grab the opener for Zambia.

SUBSTITUTES

Eneless Phiri (6/10): Her mazing runs left Zimbabwe’s defence at sixes and sevens.

Kabange Mupopo (5/10): Mupopo had a good opportunity to get on the scoresheet but failed to convert.

Avell Chitundu (5/10): She came on with some progressive passes but her performance fizzled out as the match progressed.

Saliya Mwanza (5/10): Mwanza replaced an injured Judith Soko, coming on for the final 15 minutes.

Ngosa Chabwe (N/A): Another appearance for the exciting winger.

COACH

Charles Haalubono (8/10): An excellent performance from his lasses, who came out firing on all cylinders from the onset. The high pressing, quick passing and devastating runs were top-notch.

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